A bill granting Howard deputy sheriffs collective bargaining rights to negotiate better retirement and benefits packages is a measure union officials said would boost recruiting efforts.
“The problem is all the surrounding agencies have better retirement and pay scale,” said Andy Mackert, president of the Howard County Sheriff?s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 131, the sheriff?s union.
The deputies currently don?t have collective bargaining rights.
The Howard County Sheriff?s Office is a state agency, but it relies on the county for funding, a situation that complicates negotiations over wages, hours and working conditions, said Del. Guy Guzzone, D-District 13, a co-sponsor of the bill with Del. Steven DeBoy, D-District 12A.
The county tells the sheriff?s office to go to the state when it comes to negotiations, Mackert said.
Under the proposal, each deputy sheriff could organize and bargain collectively about compensation, pension, benefits, hours and performance evaluations.
The county executive would be considered the deputy sheriffs? employer for issues involving compensation, pension and fringe benefits.
For all other issues, including hours, the sheriff would be their employer. Sheriff James Fitzgerald did not return calls for comment. DeBoy and Guzzone also are pushing a measure boosting workers? compensation benefits for sheriff?s deputies. The deputies would receive the same benefits as police officers when they are performing law enforcement duties, the measure states.
Currently police are compensated at a higher rate, DeBoy said.
“I am trying to bring them to the same level,” he said.
IF YOU GO
» What: Howard County state delegation public hearing
» When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8
» Where: Banneker Room, George Howard Building, Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City
